Letters Go Out on Three Frats

In an attempt to head off more serious problems, Duke's Office of Student Development has begun notifying not only fraternity members, but their parents and the chapter's alumni as well, when the chapters are found guilty of judicial infractions.

Since the spring, letters written by Kacie Wallace, associate dean for judicial affairs, have been sent out to members, parents and alumni of three fraternities -- Delta Sigma Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Sigma Nu. Wallace said parents and alumni are being included in the mailings "because we want to gather their support while working with the group to straighten out any problems. We'd rather them hear about it from us early on than read about it after the fact."

Todd Adams, assistant dean of student development, added, "The letters were designed to put everyone into the information loop and ensure that all parties were on the same page before the academic year began."

Adams said that "each organization has a different circumstance, but by and large there were some behavior patterns that were not in keeping with the standards of Duke University."

Previously, these types of action letters were only sent to chapter presidents, and the information didn't always get communicated to the members, let alone their parents or chapter alumni, Wallace said. The reaction to the letters have been "overwhelmingly positive," she added.

"Obviously, we've had a couple of negative comments from alumni who say 'Why can't we let boys be boys?' " Wallace said.

But parents have called to find out if their sons were involved, and dozens of alumni have asked how they might be able to help. "They've been very supportive. They've said, 'We want our chapters to be successful and we're willing to help any way that we can.' They also thank us for copying them."

Michael Wick, president of the Interfraternity Council, said he understands why the administration has begun notifying parents and alumni. "I believe that the administration sent the letters to the parents and alumni to instill a sense of urgency in these specific fraternities so that they would have adequate time to make the necessary changes to be able to stay on campus," Wick said. "While I may agree with the administration's communication efforts in these recent situations, I plan on working with the fraternities this year in improving communications within their chapters so that these letters will not have to be used again."

Wick added, "I am confident that these recent events will encourage all of the fraternities to resolve problems better in the future, before the administration feels it necessary to involve fraternity members' parents and alumni."

Wallace said Student Development officials plan to meet with members of the three fraternities in coming week to address their problems. "They're interested in us coming in and hearing their concerns," Wallace said. "Some students seem to appreciate what we've done, others are angry and others are anxious to work with us.

"Fraternities are an integral part of Duke and we not only expect them to adhere to community standards, but to be leaders in creating a welcoming atmosphere to all students," Wallace added.